Fuel Apps Offer Savings, But With Caveats for Israeli Drivers

Despite a recent tax reduction, the price of gasoline in Israel remains high at 7.77 shekels per liter, with future prices expected to be volatile due to international markets and the dollar exchange rate. To attract and retain customers, most Israeli fuel companies offer loyalty programs through mobile applications, allowing drivers to accumulate credit or points. However, these programs generally do not allow users to pay for fuel itself, with savings realized through purchases at convenience stores or partner businesses.

The Yellow app from Paz offers 10 agorot per liter of fuel, capped at 30 shekels per quarter, but requires a minimum accumulation of 50 shekels per quarter to be redeemable. This means drivers who only refuel may not reach the threshold. Additional accumulation comes from purchases at Yellow convenience stores (10% on food and drinks) and other partners like Super-Pharm and Harel Insurance. To reach the 50 shekel redemption threshold, a driver refueling 100 liters monthly would need to spend an additional 200 shekels on qualifying purchases.

Daled offers a similar model with 10 agorot per liter, capped at 30 shekels over four months, also requiring a 50 shekel minimum for redemption. Purchases at Jo (including online) earn 10% back, with double points on Tuesdays. Sonol uses a points system called 'goods,' where 1 point is earned per liter of fuel and per shekel spent at Sogood. While Sonol allows redemption solely from fuel purchases, the value of points varies, and they expire after six months if unused.

TEN provides a simpler system, offering 10 agorot per liter and 10% on convenience store purchases, with a low redemption threshold of just 10 shekels. However, accumulations below 10 shekels per quarter are forfeited. Dor Alon currently operates mainly through rotating promotions, such as a discounted iced coffee for refueling 25 liters or more, but plans to launch a new loyalty app soon.

While these apps can offer savings, particularly if accumulated credit is used for purchases already planned, the actual benefit can be modest, amounting to tens of shekels. Consumers are advised to compare fuel prices, understand redemption requirements to avoid losing accumulated credit, and ensure they can use the savings on items they would have bought anyway for a truly effective discount. Loyalty clubs from other organizations, like HOT or the 'Hever' club, may also offer competitive fuel benefits.